PILGRIMAGE JOURNAL FOR SUNDAY, JULY 29

SUNDAY, JULY 29: Three Weeks after Return, Sharing your Experience with Others

John 6:1-15 – Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

Jesus went across the Sea of Galilee. A large crowd followed him, because they saw the signs he was performing on the sick. Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. The Jewish feast of Passover was near. When Jesus raised his eyes and saw that a large crowd was coming to him, he said to Philip, “Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?” He said this to test him, because he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, “Two hundred days?’ wages worth of food would not be enough for each of them to have a little.’” One of his disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?” Jesus said, “Have the people recline.” Now there was a great deal of grass in that place. So the men reclined, about five thousand in number. Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted. When they had had their fill, he said to his disciples, “Gather the fragments left over, so that nothing will be wasted.” So they collected them, and filled twelve wicker baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves that had been more than they could eat. When the people saw the sign he had done, they said, “This is truly the Prophet, the one who is to come into the world.” Since Jesus knew that they were going to come and carry him off to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain alone.

Reflection written by Bobbie Paul, traveled to Dandora in 2011; spoke to Liturgy Advisory Committee (LAC) at Holy Family Church in San Jose

After our return…I experienced a true longing to be back there – or at least to make some sort of difference that would honor the changes that had come over me since Dandora. Being a part of our Liturgy Advisory Committee in my home parish, one small thing that I did was offer to speak at our “LAC Day Away” – telling a bit about the trip from a liturgical perspective and then challenging the group to consider what we might do to make our liturgies as amazing as those in Dandora.

The questions that helped guide the planning for our liturgical year at Holy Family, is what remains firm; committed in my heart to live out the joy of our Kenyan brothers and sisters. They taught me so much. We live in our own kind of poverty, challenges and crime. What vision can we define for our parish today?

· Does our parish offer sanctuary?

· Do we enjoy a fellowship that sustains us?

· Do we sense the awesome presence of God during our Liturgies?

· Do we experience “giving” during the Offertory?

· Do the Prayers of the Faithful seem personal to us?

· Do we take what we are “doing” at Mass seriously?

PILGRIMAGE JOURNAL FOR SUNDAY, JULY 22

SUNDAY, JULY 22: Two Weeks after Return, Just Faith

Mark 6:30-34 – Come and Rest a While

The apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat. So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place. People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them.

When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

Reflection written by Viviane Russo Tai, traveled in 2011 with husband, Mike

Upon returning from Dandora, I could not get the images and emotions out of my mind. I was grateful for the opportunity to have spent with the great people of Dandora and Holy Cross. They may not be rich in the material sense, but their joy and spirit of the Lord was in abundance. The pilgrimage gave witness to God’s compassion and yet I was conflicted by the volume of injustice. How could Africa’s largest landfill be a health hazard and a source of so much crime while providing economic lifeblood for the community? The complex web of poverty, global economics, social structures and humanity were overwhelming. After my return I joined JustFaith, a social justice program offered at St. Monica. JustFaith allowed me a period of reflection emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually that helped me process my experience in Dandora and contribute to God’s flock both around the world and here at home.

PILGRIMAGE JOURNAL FOR SUNDAY, JULY 15

SUNDAY, JULY 15: One Week after Return, Small Faith Sharing Group

Mark 6:7-13 – The Twelve are Sent Out, Two by Two

Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick—no food, no sack, no money in their belts. They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic. He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave. Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them.” So they went off and preached repentance. The Twelve drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

Reflection written by Dr. Lynn Kurata, organized glasses drive and medical mission at Brother André Dispensary 2010 and 2011

A visit to one of the parishioner’s homes was an unforgettably warm experience. We sat in the small living area of our gracious hostess Ann who, along with her small faith group, had prepared a feast for three of us who were visiting her home. She had been recently widowed, and her small faith sharing community of Holy Cross Dandora had helped to locate housing for her and her teenage daughter. This gave me a glimpse of what community meant to them…being of assistance when someone suffers the loss of a loved one, and the loss of her home.

The 2010 travelers formed a small faith sharing group to continue to process our experiences in Dandora when we returned home. We named ourselves the Small Faith Sharing Group of Saint André Bessette, who was recently canonized a saint. I had worked in the Brother André Bessette medical dispensary while in Dandora, and it seemed so appropriate. Our hope had been to meet once a quarter and discuss ways to help our sister parish of Holy Cross Dandora. But our lives get busy and meetings have been more difficult to schedule. What I have found though these bonds of friendship is the love and support of this small group who came to my aid when I lost my home. They spread the good news of this Gospel.

PILGRIMAGE JOURNAL FOR SUNDAY, JULY 8

SUNDAY, JULY 8: Return to Los Angeles

Mark 6:1-6 – The rejection of Jesus at Nazareth

Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples. When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him? What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.

Reflection written by Peter Heller, Co-Chair, Travel Committee, traveled to Dandora 2007, 2009, and 2011, climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro last year

We depart from Dandora and return to our native place. The physical phase of our African journey fades behind us in the contrails of our 777 and the impact phase begins. It's not so much the final day of our trip as it is the first day of the afterwards. We have not departed Kenya unaffected in some way, neither we nor Kenya. So completely filled with boundless enthusiasm today, tomorrow we will act to sustain our oneness with the people who have been described as the poorest of the poor.

For over a week, Dandora was our synagogue. Ask yourself, though, who were the teachers, who were the pupils. What wisdom has been bestowed on us? Humility, compassion, justice, love, to name a few. What wisdom have we, in turn, bestowed on our brothers and sisters with the grace of Dandora in our hearts? Hope, and faith and love, surely.

We were received in Dandora with curiosity, enthusiasm and hope that our presence could make their world a bit better. In addition to open arms, affection and acceptance, we may be welcomed home by a few family and friends who simply cannot understand our journey. We are grateful to be able to accept this walk with God’s people. Let us gladly embrace it all - we are true, living disciples now and there’s no turning back. 

God is great, indeed.

PILGRIMAGE JOURNAL FOR SATURDAY, JULY 7

SATURDAY, JULY 7: Departure from Nairobi

Matthew 9:14-17 – In the presence of the bridegroom

The disciples of John approached Jesus and said, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. No one patches an old cloak with a piece of unshrunken cloth, for its fullness pulls away from the cloak and the tear gets worse. People do not put new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise the skins burst, the wine spills out, and the skins are ruined. Rather, they pour new wine into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved.”

Reflection written by Erica Ahlin, Merchandise Co-Chair, traveled to Dandora 2009

I’m frequently asked the question, “what was your favorite part of the journey?” Nearly an impossible question to answer! When I reflect on our family of Dandora the most impactful thing for me is the way they celebrate life, love and support one another in challenging situations.

I think of the Sunday Mass and lunch we celebrated at the Phase 3 church where we were witness to Trevor and Anna renewing their wedding vows. The music from the choir and the way the sun reflected Father Andrew, Trevor and Anna was one of the most beautiful sights, one that I wish every bride and groom could experience. The immense amount of love that filled that church was overwhelming. After Mass, our lunch was not what we would consider a huge elaborate meal, but no doubt every ounce was prepared with love.

It’s not the amount that is spent on a celebration; it’s the people we are surrounded by who make it memorable and meaningful. Too often we get wrapped up in the monetary amount of what we think needs to be spent to make something wonderful. I think back to that special Sunday and even though very little money had been spent (little money in our eyes) on that celebration it was one of the most incredible events I have had the good fortune to be a part of.

PILGRIMAGE JOURNAL FOR FRIDAY, JULY 6

FRIDAY, JULY 6: Masai Mara Safari, Optional tour of a Masai Mara Village

Matthew 9:9-13 – The calling of Matthew

As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” He heard this and said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

Reflection written by Kevyn Kurata, traveled with mother, Lynn in 2011 and climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro with Kristina, Peter, and Arthur

I felt like I had a lot to figure out after graduating from college last summer, so when my mom offered, I jumped at the opportunity to visit Africa and climb Mt. Kilimanjaro (like most recent graduates, I happily put off finding a job for another month or so). I hoped to return to the US with clarity on how I wanted to live post-college. Although my initial expectations were unrealistic, my experiences in Africa helped me to cope with a momentous transition in my life.

On Kilimanjaro, I remember a fellow climber explaining his reasons for coming to Africa, he pointed out “We are all here because we have our own mountains to climb. We will eventually have to go home.” This metaphor may sound cliché, but it resonated with me for the rest of the trip. While in Dandora, I was introduced to the systemic problems that the community deals with—no description or picture will ever convey my emotional response to the sounds and smells of the dumpsite. Despite political corruption, poverty, and health issues, the people I met were a part of a vibrant and thriving community that remained optimistic that they could affect positive change. Their resiliency gave me a better perspective on how to approach problems in my own life.

PILGRIMAGE JOURNAL FOR THURSDAY, JULY 5

THURSDAY, JULY 5: Masai Mara Safari

Matthew 9:1-8 – Jesus forgives and heals a paralyzed man

After entering a boat, Jesus made the crossing, and came into his own town. And there people brought to him a paralytic lying on a stretcher. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Courage, child, your sins are forgiven.” At that, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said, “Why do you harbor evil thoughts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk?’ But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins?” he then said to the paralytic, “Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.” He rose and went home. When the crowds saw this they were struck with awe and glorified God who had given such authority to men.

Reflection written by Maureen Gault, Hospitality Ministry at St. Monica, traveled in 2011

The Masai Mara has the largest concentration of wildlife in the world. Traveling through the beauty of the Rift Valley, we arrived to a place I can honestly call God’s country. To see the unspoiled, natural habitat of the “Big Five” (Lion, Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo and Leopard), the birth of a giraffe dropping to the ground from her mother and trying to get up and walk, the playfulness of baby lion cubs with their mother, the migration of thousands of Wildebeest and their constant companions, the Zebra, was breathtaking. We also visited the Masai Warriors’ village to see how they have lived for hundreds of years. We were out there in the wild in their world and words cannot express the wonder of it all.

Between sharing our life and love of our God with the people of Dandora, and seeing the beauty of God’s creation in the Masai Mara, my life was changed forever. We are truly one in God’s eyes across the universe. God has given me so much and I will be thankful each and every day of my life for that.